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Compare Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dextromethorphan/bupropion (Auvelity) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Forfivo XL) are both medications used to treat depression. But they have some important differences. Auvelity is a combination of dextromethorphan, which is though to boost glutamate and monoamine levels, and bupropion, which helps increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels. In contrast, bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that boosts just norepinephrine and dopamine and is available in various formulations, including immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets. Auvelity is only available as a brand-name medication, while bupropion is available as a lower-cost generic. Auvelity is typically taken twice daily, while bupropion dosing varies depending on the formulation but is usually taken 1-3 times daily. Both medications can cause dizziness and increase the risk of seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders. Auvelity can work faster, often improving symptoms within a week, while bupropion may take several weeks to show effects. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol with either medication.

  • Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion)
    Bupropion
  • Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) is a newer antidepressant that's taken by mouth. It can work faster than some other antidepressants, but it's not a good choice for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, severe kidney or liver problems, or alcohol abuse.

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion is taken by mouth to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's available as short-acting tablets that are taken two or three times a day, as well as long-acting versions that are taken once daily. Bupropion has fewer sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it's not a good choice for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or drink alcohol regularly.

  • Indications of Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Antidepressant
    Pros
    •Works faster to treat depression symptoms compared to other antidepressants
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Works well to improve depression symptoms in adults
    •Conveniently combines two medications into one tablet
    Cons
    •Not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Not studied in children
    •Brand only, so might be expensive
    •Can interact with many medications
    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Works well for depression and can be used alone or in combination with other antidepressants
    •Causes fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Good option for people who haven't had success with traditional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to feel the full effects
    •Not the best option if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders like as anorexia or bulimia
    •Might need to limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if you take it later in the day

  • Common Side Effects of Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Nausea (13%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Drowsiness (7%)
    •Dry mouth (6%)
    •Sexual problems (e.g., erectile dysfunction, low sex drive; 6%)
    •Sweating a lot (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Changes in thoughts, mood, or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
    •Mental health changes
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)

  • Prices with our coupons for Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Auvelity
    Learn more about Bupropion

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